Sullivan County is moving forward with a plan to upgrade an emergency communications system beset by a shortage of frequencies and dead spots that have left emergency personnel unable to communicate in some areas.

Firefighters and public safety officials say the current system has not affected the ability to respond to emergencies so far, but concerns about a potential communications-related tragedy underlie the push for a $10 million makeover of existing radio towers and the addition of new towers, frequencies and equipment.

“We’re going to have to make some moves here because the system that we’re using is showing its weaknesses,” said Dick Martinkovic, public safety commissioner for Sullivan County.

(Read More: Times Herald Record)